This spot opens on police cars converging on a house. The law enforcement officers knock on the front door, which opens to reveal their man: an African-American who is a murder suspect. He surrenders peaceably, as we hear a cop read him his rights. In the background is a youngster, presumably the suspect’s son, who has to witness his father being arrested.
At first, the rights being read by the policeman sound routine, "You have the right to remain silent. Whatever you say can be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. … "
But then the rights take a wrong detour. "If you cannot afford one, an inexperienced, underpaid, unprepared attorney will be assigned to your case. "This lawyer may have never tried a case before … You could be facing an all white jury. …"
A voiceover then relates that 95 percent of Death Row inmates cannot afford legal representation. " … If you could afford your own attorney, you might not end up on Death Row."
This PSA is for the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. It was directed and conceptualized by Laurence Thrush, a young British spot/music video-maker, who recently opened his own Santa Monica-based production house, Growth Films.
The director’s support team at Growth included producer Simon Thrush and production manager Gelila Asres. The spot was shot on location in South Central Los Angeles by DP Gary Young.
"Inadequate Representation" was edited by Olaf Garcia via Rock Paper Scissors, Los Angeles. Cornia Dennison produced for Rock Paper Scissors. Ben Loorham of A52, Los Angeles, served as online editor. The colorist was Shane Harris of Company 3, Santa Monica. Audio mixer was Eric Ryan of RavensWork, Venice, Calif.
Sound designer was Michael Anastasie of Santa Monica-based stimmüng. Music was Sparklehorse’s "It’s A Wonderful Life," courtesy of Capitol Records, Hollywood.
In devising the spot, director Thrush worked closely with David Elliot and Steven W. Hawkins who are communications director and executive director, respectively, for the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty.
